CCOG for PHL 201H archive revision 202104

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Effective Term:
Fall 2021 through Fall 2024

Course Number:
PHL 201H
Course Title:
Being and Knowing: Honors
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
40
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Honors version of PHL 201. Introduces metaphysics and the theory of knowledge via the works of important figures in the history of philosophy. Audit available.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  • Articulate key philosophical arguments in the history of philosophy.
  • Identify the influence of culturally based perspectives, values and beliefs to examine how diverse philosophical perspectives affect human experience.
  • Construct arguments on philosophical issues using critical reasoning to identify and investigate philosophical theses and evaluate information and its sources.
  • Respond to arguments on philosophical issues using critical reasoning to identify and investigate philosophical theses and  evaluate information and its sources.

Additional Honors Outcomes:

  • Analyze philosophical arguments in light of original context and historical responses, along with consideration of contemporary concerns.
  • Produce and present an original philosophical argument in response to a primary text, using methods of philosophical inquiry and research and explaining the reasoning used. 
  • Lead or co-lead discussion on a focused philosophical topic.

Integrative Learning

Students completing an associate degree at Portland Community College will be able to reflect on one’s work or competencies to make connections between course content and lived experience.

General education philosophy statement

Philosophy courses ask students to use critical thinking and reasoning skills in multiple ways: to identify the content, structure, and influence of beliefs, to examine how diverse philosophical perspectives affect human experience, and to construct and respond to arguments on a variety of philosophical issues. They encourage students to both create and understand theirs and others’ frameworks of meaning, and to use this new understanding in their own lived experience.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Assessment strategies will include some of the following:· Essays in the form of in-class exams, short papers, or term papers.· Student presentations.· Class and small group discussions.· Portfolios.· Service learning projects.· Attendance.

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

The course will focus on the following topics and issues with a primary focus on the Western philosophical tradition:·

  • Metaphysics.
  • Epistemology.· What is a philosophical question?
  • How have some historically significant philosophers (including, but not limited to Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Leibnitz, Spinoza, Hobbes, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, Kant, Russell, Wittgenstein) responded to philosophical questions?
  • Epistemological and metaphysical issues that are raised in other areas of philosophy (ethics, philosophy of religion, aesthetics, philosophy of science, etc.)

Competencies and Skills: 

  • Comprehend philosophical writings.
  • Paraphrase, illustrate, and explain ideas contained in philosophical writings.
  • Critique and challenge philosophical ideas.
  • Write philosophically coherent arguments.
  • Engage with others in understanding and presenting philosophical ideas and historical responses to those ideas.
  • Participate actively in philosophical discussion, contributing and providing support for original philosophical insights.
  • Facilitate large or small group discussion of interpretations of philosophical ideas.
  • Formulate philosophical arguments which reflect understanding of significant philosophical issues.